Saudi Arabian sports official Turki Alalshikh has made headlines after expressing regret over the handling of recent events involving heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. In a candid statement, Alalshikh reflected on the special privileges granted to Joshua ahead of his fight and the subsequent compensation awarded to Dubois following a controversial outcome.

Reports indicate that Joshua received certain accommodations leading up to his bout, including tailored training facilities and exclusive resources, in a bid to ensure top-tier performance. However, Alalshikh acknowledged that these privileges may have overshadowed the fairness and neutrality expected in such high-stakes events. “We wanted to create the best environment, but perhaps we went too far,” he admitted during an interview.

Meanwhile, Dubois, who was compensated after raising concerns about the fight’s officiating and judging, has sparked debates about the transparency of decision-making processes in the sport. Alalshikh emphasized that the compensation was a gesture of goodwill but noted that it may have unintentionally added fuel to the controversy.

The aftermath of the match has left fans divided, with many praising Dubois for standing his ground while others question whether Joshua’s special treatment influenced the outcome. Social media has been abuzz with criticism and support for both fighters, with hashtags like #JoshuaPrivileges and #JusticeForDubois trending.

Alalshikh concluded his remarks by vowing to improve protocols for future events, ensuring fairness and minimizing external influences. “We’ve learned from this, and we’ll do better moving forward,” he assured.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing prestige and fairness in global sporting events, leaving fans eager to see how the sport evolves in response.